By Nasser Kayanja

The Katikkiro of Buganda, Owek Charles Peter Mayiga, has warned parents against denying children food as a form of punishment, saying such practices could push them into stealing.

Mayiga said responsible citizenship and the preservation of culture and values begin at home, urging parents to adopt better approaches to raising and disciplining their children.

He made the remarks while addressing Bataka clan heads at Buange in Mengo, Kampala, ahead of a two-day retreat on family and parenting to be held at the Kabaka’s Palace in Mengo on October 30, 2026.

Mayiga said the retreat is intended to equip parents with basic tools for raising children who respect and preserve Buganda’s culture, traditions and norms.

He cautioned parents against what he described as misplaced expressions of love towards their children, saying excessive indulgence can undermine discipline and expose children to behaviours that threaten cultural values.

The retreat is being organised by the head of the Bataka Council, Omutaka Namwama Kizito Augustine Mutumba, who also heads the Kobbe clan.

Mutumba said the retreat will focus on parenting and strengthening the role of schools in nurturing cultural values, noting that children spend a significant amount of their time at school.

Meanwhile, the Buganda Kingdom Minister for Culture, Owek Anthony Wamala, told the Katikkiro and clan heads that the younger generation is increasingly reluctant to learn, while many children are not being adequately exposed to cultural and traditional knowledge.

He called for stronger efforts by parents, schools and cultural institutions to ensure that children learn and appreciate their cultural heritage.